Lewis & Clark receives $200,000 gift to expand counseling service

February 14, 2013

Over the next four years, Lewis & Clark will receive a gift of $200,000 to provide expanded access to counseling services for students. The gift was made possible by the parents of a Lewis & Clark student who wish to remain anonymous.

“We believe that all students should have access to high-quality and timely mental health support on campus,” President Barry Glassner said. “These generous donors have made a huge contribution to the overall health of Lewis & Clark, enhancing the outstanding support that our counseling service already provides.”

The donation will be used to expand staffing, thereby increasing the number of counseling appointments available to students each week. The gift will allow the college to serve as many as 65 additional students each year.

“We know that counseling helps students,” said John Hancock, chief psychologist and director of wellness services. “Access to mental health services helps them stay enrolled in school; contributes to improved academic performance; improves their functioning; leads to gains in self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage emotions; and reduces psychological symptoms.”

“We also know that many students who need help do not have the motivation or other resources to pursue off-campus care,” Hancock said. “This gift is the key to supporting our students with additional on-campus services.”